SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
HE KEY
CDLLEfKE
BULLETIN OF
SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
Bulletin of Sweet Briar College Vol. 53, No. 5, April 1970
Published by the College in October, November (2), February, April, May,
July. Second-class postage at Sweet Briar, Virginia 24595.
PREFACE
There is no way for us to describe the year you are about to experience.
It will be one filled with many mixed emotions, sad and happy moments,
failures and successes. You will be presented with countless opportunities,
and choices you make will be yours. You may not always make the right
decision, but the freedom to mold your own life is the essence of in-
dependence and part of the big step you are about to take.
As soon as you arrive you will learn about our Honor System which
places honor and mutual trust as the basis for community living. Each
student is required to govern herself according to the standards set forth
under this system. In return she is granted responsibilities and privileges.
You will be meeting many different kinds of people and with them
sharing in the traditions and the Sweet Briar way of life. You will learn
that community living requires a certain amount of give and take on every
side. Respect and tolerance for those whose ideas conflict with yours is
the very thing that will increase your range of knowledge beyond academics.
Everyone you meet will teach you something and in some way make your
education at Sweet Briar more complete.
We feel THE KEY may help to familiarize you with the more personal
aspects of Sweet Briar life, one step beyond the catalog . . .
Fran Griffith
Ann Compton
Katie Harris
Class of 1970
Spring, 1970
". . . Pleased to Meet You!"
The moment that you arrive on Sweet Briar's campus your "Big Sister"
will be there to meet you. Dressed in white, your Big Sister is a member
of the Orientation Committee composed of Sophomores. Each Sophomore
has two or three "Little Sisters" whom she will have contacted during the
summer.
During the first week, which precedes classes, a varied program is
planned to acquaint you with Sweet Briar. A schedule for the events of
the week is given to you when you arrive. Administrative officers of the
college and heads of student organizations will explain the academic program,
the Honor System, and the Student Government Association. The Assistant
Dean will serve as counselor for your class during its first year. She will
advise you on any problems or questions you may have concerning the
academic aspects of college life. Tours of the campus are given during
this week and many informal events are planned, such as small coffee
parties in faculty homes. A reception is given for the new students by the
President.
On the social side, a freshman mixer is arranged for your first week-
end on campus which everyone attends en masse. It is planned to help
you meet men mostly from the University of Virginia, Washington and Lee,
Virginia Military Institute, and Hampden-Sydney.
Further orientation is carried on during the year. Your Big Sister
will be available to advise you on personal matters or in your academic
concerns. Other informal gatherings are held at various times to give
you chances to meet your sister class, the Juniors, as well as other
upperclassmen and faculty.
UNMISTAKABLY SWEET BRIAR
Every Freshman will soon discover that Sweet Briar has established
ceremonies and traditions that are very much a part of it. Some are
sentimental; others are light-hearted; all are meaningful.
Early in the year when one night you might see and hear a group of
girls singing and marching down the halls of your dorm, don't be alarmed —
this is TAPPING, the traditional way that some of the clubs choose new
members. The Aints and Asses, Bum Chums, Paint and Patches, Chung
Mungs and Sweet Tones tap the doors of the newly chosen members.
Many of the other clubs and organizations are elected or selected from the
student body and many are open simply on the basis of interest.
FOUNDERS' DAY is celebrated in October with a morning program
in Babcock Auditorium and a brief ceremony on Monument Hill. All
morning classes are cancelled. The Seniors wear their black academic
robes for the first time (hemmed by members of your class). Ignoring the
fact that every Senior can easily be identified by her poised and knowl-
edgeable look, robes will help you in identifying the most illustrious of
upperclassmen.
PARENTS' DAY is your family's chance to get to know your roommate,
your professors, meet your college friends and to see the campus with
you as their guide. Parents' Day is usually held the last Saturday in October,
but be sure to make motel reservations early if your parents are planning
to come.
Somehow in addition to their myriad activities, the Seniors manage to
produce, to direct, and to star in the SENIOR SHOW, worthy of Broad-
way or off-Broadway, perhaps. It is always full of songs and hilarity.
The Christmas season begins early on campus. The Junior class sponsors
the CHRISTMAS BAZAAR and the most popular stores in the area are
invited to participate, bringing a variety of student-suggested Christmas
gifts. There are many booths, one of which is sponsored by your class.
The proceeds go to the Student Development Fund.
Once every four years, the Faculty takes time from scholarly pursuits to
create their own version of the world of the theater — THE FACULTY
SHOW. It is amazing to discover that our professors have such a humorous
insight into our particular habits. The next Faculty Show will be in 1974.
As we move around the calendar, STEP SINGING marks off fall,
Christmas, and spring. It is a traditional gathering of all four classes in
front of the Refectory. Underclassmen sing to the other classes. This is
an occasion when the Seniors proudly occupy their coveted Senior stairs,
which they alone may use.
At JUNIOR BANQUET, toasts and high spirits prevail to celebrate
the arrival of the Juniors at the Senior stairs. Class rings are presented at
the Banquet and the Juniors return to challenge the Seniors for their stairs
and status.
SPRING WEEKEND, late in April or early May, is a perfect oppor-
tunity for you to be a hostess Instead of a guest. Activities may vary,
but usually include a concert, combo parties, and a picnic.
Soon it will be May and spring will have sprung and you will find
yourself wondering where this first year went. This is a time of year when
you will be finding your own favorite ways of enjoying spring at SBC
from picnics to sun-bathing and of course, studying for those exams.
But before exams, two more traditional events take place. AMHERST
COUNTY DAY is held on a Saturday in the spring and has much of the
flavor of an old-fashioned fair with contests and exhibits, games and
homemade food. A jousting tournament is a highlight of the day, and
Sweet Briar girls take on the job of hostesses to all county residents.
LANTERN BEARING is perhaps the loveliest tradition at Sweet Briar
and is the last event before graduation. Each Senior chooses as her
lantern bearer an underclassman who makes an original lantern for her.
The Seniors wear their robes and the underclassmen are dressed in white
for an outdoor candlelight procession. The lanterns usually represent
something symbolic or meaningful for the Senior. It is a very special
ceremony and makes many freshmen aware that their first hectic, fun-filled
year as a Sweet Briar girl is too quickly coming to an end.
HOME SWEET HOME
You are probably wondering where you will be living and what your
roommate will be like. These are only a few of the hundred and one things
on your mind. Don't worry about bringing too many things for your room
when you arrive. Once you are settled in your room, you can send home
for those extras you need or buy them in town. Your room will be supplied
with a desk and chair, bookcase, bureau, wall mirror, and bed, leaving a
lot of potential for your decorative ingenuity. Most rooms also have a
wall lock box. The above items don't add much to the room's decor and
comfort, but here is where you and your roommate come through to make
it distinctly "your" room. Here are a few suggestions to make your room
a little more livable and cozier; its personality is left up to you.
1. Essentials: sheets (4, and contour sheets are very convenient), pillow-
cases and pillow, mattress pad (required), blankets, wash cloths and
towels, 2 laundry bags.
2. The overhead lights are not very strong so you might want to
bring a good desk lamp (Tensor, for example) and a pole lamp. Don't
forget extension cords.
3. A typewriter, alarm clock, waste basket, and bulletin board are
practical necessities. A clock radio, a record player, hairdryer or
electric curlers may not be necessities, but they are nice to have
handy.
4. Your curtains, bedspreads, and rug should be bought in Lynchbuig
since you won't know your room's measurements and you will want
to collaborate on those items with your roommate.
5. Posters, prints, pictures, and other wall decorations as well as stuffed
animals, flowers, and throw pillows will make your room more
cheerful.
6. Don't forget little incidentals like skirt hangers, a sewing kit and
scissors, shower cap, a soap dish, and a dictionary.
Smokers, where smoking is permitted, are central gathering places
in each dorm for conversation, bull sessions, and bridge games. Most
smokers include a small kitchenette, convenient for those after-hours popcorn
cravings.
Studying usually predominates in the study areas of Glass and in Reid
"Pit." The Emily Bowen Room is on the ground floor of Dew and of course,
the libraries are replete with students, at least just before exams.
THE CLOSET STORY
Truthfully, SBC girls wear everything and almost anything. Your best
bet is to bring the clothes you most enjoy wearing. We dress neatly, but
casually. Most girls wear shifts, skirts, slacks, or jeans to classes. It is
usually warm from September through October, so bring some transitional
clothing along with your fall wardrobe. Later it gets fairly cold so be sure
to include sweaters, slacks, socks, gloves, and anything else to keep you
warm, especially a heavy winter coat and boots. It is a good idea to
bring along a raincoat and umbrella. The same casual dress is good for
dates although girls like to wear everything from bell-bottoms and a
dressy blouse to a suit. For occasions such as college weekends, your
choices are endless. Anything from a simple wool dress to a smart-looking
pants suit to a dressy dress is acceptable for fraternity parties. Once
you become acquainted with a fraternity or school, you will be able to
determine what to wear to its parties.
While planning your wardrobe, it is a good idea to bring a lot of
interchangeable outfits so that you can switch your clothes around and
find your closet space workable. When spring arrives, you might want
to have a bathing suit and sun reflector tucked away so you can take
advantage of the eagerly awaited spring sunshine.
For campus concerts, lectures, and plays, you will need some basic wool
dresses and low heels. If you are planning on riding, you will need riding
boots, breeches, a riding coat and a hard hat.
We have a college laundry. Nametapes must be sewn on everything
you send. You are given an allowance of $1.15 per week and most girls
find that adequate. On both sides of campus, in Dew, Reid and in Carson,
there are washing machines and dryers. For clothing that needs to be
dry-cleaned there are campus representatives who will send it out for you.
Seamstresses on campus do alterations and hemming if you need their
services.
Two final items you might like to include are clothes bags and a
hanging or floor shoe rack. Although they are not a necessity, they will
help your wardrobe make it through the year. A sweater box for under
your bed is another good space-saving idea.
THE GRIND
You will soon realize how different college work is compared to high
school. Professors seldom give nightly assignments and classes do not meet
daily, but usually on alternate days three times a week. Because you are
left so much on your own to keep up with the work, it is easy to fall
behind. Grades are based on fewer individual marks than in high school.
Often there are just two mid-term exams and a final or a paper. You
will soon become accustomed to long-term reading assignments, term
papers, hourlies, and exams. Attitudes toward cutting classes vary with
each professor and each course. You are expected to attend all classes
and it is to your advantage to do so. The professors here are very
understanding and willing to help their students. Don't hesitate to approach
any member of the faculty for help or advice. It is an excellent opportunity
to show him you are interested and concerned. Remember your work in
college will be exactly what you make it.
WHERE THE ACTION IS
What are you going to do now that you've finished studying for the
day? Instinctively, every SBC girl heads for the Post Office in Manson.
But there are a few other spots which rival the P. O.'s title of "favorite
place." The BOOK SHOP has an inviting air and a cozy fire in the fireplace
in the winter months. It provides the staples for academic life and in
addition, offers stationery, jewelry, many gift items for birthdays and
special occasions. Film is sent out daily and is returned within five days.
You may order any imaginable book or record at no extra cost. Student
charge accounts may be opened in October. The favorite spot in the
new WAILES COLLEGE CENTER is the Bistro, a snack bar offering beer
and music. The College Center will welcome you with or without a date.
There is also a dining room and several lounges and game rooms in which
to relax and talk.
A 20-minute hike from campus is the OUTING CABIN — a retreat from
studies, dorm life, and refectory food. The cabin has a large fireplace,
and bunks for 8-10 girls plus a cabin leader. A taste of Thoreau on the
Sweet Briar campus.
The BOAT HOUSE is a similar haven for picnics and parties. In early
fall and spring, the deck of the Boat House is full of sun-worshippers.
Outdoor fireplaces, row boats and canoes add to the facilities for a good
time on campus. The Monument Hill PICNIC GROUNDS have several
large grills and picnic tables in a lighted clearing. You and your date may
drink 3.2 beer in this area.
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The INFORMATION CENTER is located on the ground floor of
Manson. There you may order taxis and meet your dates who are un-
familiar with the campus. If you have gone over on your laundry allowance,
you must pay the extra here and may pick up your laundry. The Informa-
tion Center is also where you sign in for keys on the Key System which
will be explained to you during Orientation.
Throughout the year there are lectures, concerts, plays, and art exhibi-
tions on campus. The Social Committee sponsors a series of Saturday
night movies and there is a Sunday night foreign film series you might
attend if you aren't too exhausted from your weekends! Every two years
the entire community participates in a student-arranged symposium:
TEMPO. Focused on a topic of special interest, the program features
outstanding speakers and discussion sessions and may also include films,
plays, or concerts.
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FOR MORE THAN WINDOW SHOPPING
You can't live at SBC without confronting beautiful downtown Lynchburg
at one time or another, whether it be to ease the hunger pangs which
occur every time you sit down to study or to celebrate passing Biology
by buying some new bell-bottoms. The trip to L'burg is an expedition
of 35 minutes by bus to the center of town. There are also two shopping
centers: Pittman and Boonsboro Plazas within easy access via another
bus. For clothes, try Miller and Rhoads, Vogue, Wills-Camp, The Band
Box, Smartwear-lrving-Saks, and the Heather Shop, and the Pappagallo Shop
for shoes. We suggest Miller and Rhoads or Leggett's for your department
store needs; Bowen's or Buckingham-Flippin for jewelry.
When your stomach cries out in hunger, you will be happy (or unhappy
if you're trying to diet) to know that there are plenty of places to eat
in the area. Close at hand and number one in our opinion is the Beef n'
Pizza House, located on Rt. 29, about 15 minutes from the campus.
Fantastic roast beef sandwiches and the world's best pizza are their
specialties. Nearby is Lendy's, famous for fried chicken. Conveniently close
is High's ice cream — the downfall of all Sweet Briar girls. If your check-
book is healthy or if you're with your parents, The Columns, Howard
Johnson's, and the dining room at the Ramada Inn will provide a delicious
dinner. You may want to join the James River Club in Lynchburg or
have your parents join to enjoy its fine dining facilities. Closer to school,
in Amherst, the Gay Nineties and Tommy's (The Briar Patch Inn) are
conveniently located and easy on the pocketbook. The village of Amherst,
3 miles from SBC, has drug stores, grocery stores, a ten-cent store, and
repair shops. Here is where you'll catch the Trailways buses for Charlottes-
ville and points north.
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PETTY CASH
You will be amazed at the number and variety of the items that drain
your college allowance. The Student Activities Fee is $50 and is due on
arrival. It includes all Student Government activities and supports the
publications and other student enterprises. During the year, you will be
asked to contribute to Campus Chest, Student Development, and for
various dorm parties.
Text books each semester will ring up a sizable amount which must be
paid for by cash or check and cannot be charged at the Book Shop. We
suggest planning on $50-$70 for textbooks. Freshmen generally maintain
the same courses through second semester, but when you begin to take
only one semester courses, be prepared to budget book money for February
as well as September. Second-hand books are available.
Incidental spending will include trips to the new COLLEGE CENTER
for a grilled cheeseburger and trips into Lynchburg to go shopping ($1.20
round trip). Don't overlook cash for dry cleaning, any repairs, $3 for your
post office box. Your most consistent expenses will be transportation and
hostess fees on the weekends. It is a Southern tradition for women to pay
for their accommodations on weekends and the rates in Charlottesville
and Lexington are approximately $3 to $5 per night. Transportation by
bus might be $4 round trip. To save money on transportation, check the
RIDE BOARD in Gray. Car-owners post notices of space for riders to
various destinations. Riders usually split the expenses and pay for tolls
on long trips and everybody is happy with the arrangement. All it takes
is a phone call to the driver and you're all set.
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If you are a member of the riding set, you will spend $80 a season
for 20 rides, $120 for 30 rides, and $150 for daily rides in each season.
The student bank handles student accounts and will cash out-of-town
checks. We suggest starting with a monthly allowance of $50 to cover
expenses. Girls earn extra money by working in one of the student self-help
jobs such as waitressing, assisting in the libraries and laboratories, or
baby-sitting, to name only a few. They also type papers and do alterations
for their fellow students.
EXODUS
Once you arrive at Sweet Briar, you are not stranded there for life.
You will notice a strange change comes over the campus on Fridays. Most
of your Friday classes, especially afternoon ones, seem smaller. Actually,
SBC girls might end up any place, but the most familiar destinations are
the men's colleges. Our favorites are: UVA in Charlottesville; W & L and
VMI in Lexington; University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill; Hampden-
Sydney, near Farmville; as well as Princeton. Before you know it, you will
be making "contacts" and the invitations will be coming. The big weekends
are the ones to look for. They are the Fall (Openings and Homecomings),
Winter and Spring weekends which usually include cocktail and fraternity
parties and concerts.
Going somewhere in a SBC girl's car is by far the cheapest mode of
transportation, but if you cannot find a ride, you can always take a bus.
_I4
The Trailways Bus stop is in Amherst, and we do have the Southern Railway,
but their schedules are inconvenient and the trains rarely on time. Flying
may be the answer to some of your problems. The Lynchburg airport
is serviced by Piedmont Airlines. The trip to the airport is an expensive
taxi fare and it is wise to share a taxi and split the price. So don't worry,
if you need transportation you will find it somehow. Be sure to go over
the Parental Permission slip with your parents carefully in regard to the
sections on cars and planes, as these may restrict your means of transpor-
tation.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Whether your field of major interest is Biology or Fine Arts, there
is a chance for each of you to enrich your life here at SBC by participating
in group activity. Many of the clubs are open to all students; some, how-
ever, retain a small membership and new members are "tapped." Freshmen
are restricted in the clubs and activities they may join in the first semester.
Also certain academic ratings are required for participation in many
activities.
PAINT AND PATCHES
Are you an actress or interested in the mechanics of production? The
drama club offers opportunities for both. Membership is attained only
after accumulation of many hours of work in either area, accompanied by
an enthusiastic interest in the Sweet Briar Theater.
AINTS AND ASSES
The Asses' foremost purpose is to make the dignified Paint and Patches
dramatists appear in a different light, so they stage take-offs of P & P
productions. A sense of humor, a thorough non-sensical personality and the
ability to concoct spur-of-the-moment presentations are prerequisites.
Newly tapped members are hialf-Asses until they prove themselves by
presenting a show. A & A is one of the few clubs which has tapped faculty
as members.
TAU PHI
Composed of Seniors and a few Juniors who have shown an outstanding
combination of scholarship and constructive influence, Tau Phi recognizes
those student leaders who still manage to make the Dean's List too. They
aim to stimulate the more scholarly interests at SBC by sponsoring lectures
and holding topical discussions.
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CHUNG MUNGS
The Chung Mungs are a sheet-clad society of nine Seniors and four
Juniors who delight in robbing the honorable Tau Phi's of some of their
not-too-intact dignity. During the year they employ their energies in such
pursuits as selling Tuesday night Goodies in the dorms to raise funds for
worthy causes.
p. v.
The members of Q. V., the sophomore honorary society, are elected by
their classmates in the spring for the spirit and enthusiasm they displayed
as freshmen. Their names are kept secret until spring Step Singing of
their sophomore year. Their purpose is to combat sophomore slump and
promote class spirit. There is an intense rivalry between the Q. V.'s
and the Bum Chums who try their hardest to unveil the Q. V.'s identities.
BUM CHUMS
"The Notorious Ten" are chosen at the end of sophomore year, the night
of spring Step-Singing. They involve themselves in various community
activities, including the Bloodmobile visit, and are renowned for their
"Holiday Inns" — shows given before Christmas and Spring vacations.
DANCE THEATRE
Membership is open to dancers who qualify on the basis of performance,
technical ability, and interest. In the spring they present a much-anticipated
recital with original dance compositions.
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THE COMMITTEE FOR THE UNDERSTANDING OF
RACIAL ATTITUDES (CURA)
Membership is open to all those interested in encouraging understanding
between races through education and action. Various projects such as
lectures and book discussions are undertaken by CURA to expose and
educate the community to conditions at Sweet Briar and in the country.
SWEET TONES
The Sweet Tones are a small group who sing popular music. Chosen from
all classes at try-outs, the group performs at various social events. The
morning of Christmas vacation, the Sweet Tones become early risers and
sing Christmas carols through each dorm just as it's time to get up.
You can't help but wake up full of the Christmas spirit.
Leading off the numerous activities which anyone may participate
in is the ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. Every student automatically becomes
a member. In the fall, hockey, tennis, and lacrosse are the team sports.
Those who enjoy hiking may join the OUTING CLUB which also sponsors
ski trips. In the winter, basketball and modern dance as well as gymnastics
come into prominence. Intra-mural activities take place throughout the
year. Horseback riding is, of course, very popular. Riding events include
several horse shows, point-to-point meets and annual riding clinics. Riding
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is a year-round activity and our facilities are excellent including an indoor
riding ring in the new Riding Center. In the spring, tennis, lacrosse,
golf, boating, canoeing, and swimming are resumed. Sweet Briar's varsity
athletic teams play nearby colleges in hockey, tennis, lacrosse, and basket-
ball.
CHALLENGE
This is an organization of volunteers working in conjunction with the
Amherst County Welfare Department to tackle community problems in
a constructive way. Activities vary from tutoring children to helping needy
families and the aged.
PUBLICATIONS
A weekly paper, THE SWEET BRIAR NEWS, welcomes those who like
to write or take pictures, as does the BRIAR PATCH, the college yearbook.
The literary magazine, THE BRAMBLER, will give you a chance to display
your literary or artistic talents in the form of essays, short stories, poems,
and drawings.
When you arrive at Sweet Briar you will find other organizations
whose functions are more universally known. Membership is open for
the YOUNG REPUBLICANS, YOUNG DEMOCRATS, MATH CLUB,
YWCA, and the WORLD AFFAIRS CLUB. The CENTER of ITALIAN
CULTURE welcomes all students interested in the culture, language and
history of Italy. CHOIR members are chosen by audition. Representatives
on CAMPUS CHEST (organized for the annual fund drive) and the
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, an adjunct of the college Develop-
ment program, are generally appointed; CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
and VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE COMMITTEE members are elected by
each class.
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SOUNDS OF SWEET BRIAR
Walking around campus the first few weeks you may hear words that
don't sound like English ... or French . . . They are the Sounds of Sweet
Briar.
ALL NIGHTER — those dreaded days when work compels you to stay
up, and up, and up . . .
BOONDOCKING — a favorite pastime of Virginia gentlemen on dates,
consisting of evening-time picnics in the late spring.
BLUE BOOKS
familiar blue bound books used for final exams.
CALENDAR DAYS — the two days before and after vacations when
class attendance is required.
CHAUTAUQUA — the Friday afternoon gatherings of students and
faculty for coffee and cookies, sponsored each week by a different
organization on campus.
CHUNG MUNG GOODIES — those indescribably delicious brownies,
cookies, and donuts which the Chung Mungs tempt us with every
Tuesday night.
COMMONS — the large room on the ground floor of Grammer set up as
a study hall and general meeting area.
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CLOSING HOUR — the time at which all the dorms are locked and at
which you must come in from dates, until you are given the key
privilege.
FACEBOOK — the publication put out with all those horrendous freshmen
pictures, a prized possession of all fraternities.
HOURLY — an hour-long test, pre-announced.
KEY PRIVILEGE — permission to use dorm keys to let yourself in after
closing hour. Freshmen are eligible after their first semester.
MOTHER MACKE'S — near Reid Pit, this vendeteria is replete with
vending machines of all kinds.
PINK — the pink slip on which you sign out for overnights.
PINKIES — the Pinkerton men, Sweet Briar's bodyguards, not to be confused
with "pinks."
REID PIT — the large study hall in the basement of Reid dormitory.
RESERVE ROOM — the room on the second floor of the library where
teachers place books on "reserve" which can't be checked out.
RING GAME — a Senior tradition played near the Senior stairs whereby
a Senior announces her engagement.
SENIOR STAIRS — the central stairs leading into the Refectory. Under-
classmen dare not tread upon these Golden Stairs, the private
domain of the illustrious Seniors.
SIGNING OUT — the process of filling out a pink slip in the Dean of
Students office for an overnight absence.
STU G. — Student Government Association, which meets the first
Wednesday of every month.
WARNINGS — Shortly after the middle of each term, warning notices
are sent to you and your parents if you have an average of C-minus
or less in a course after the first six weeks. Many times warnings are
based only on the first six-weeks test. It usually takes this much time to
become adjusted to college work so don't think that your warning is
the start of a pattern for your future work. If you receive a warning,
don't panic. Go and talk to your professor.
"The Key to Sweet Briar College" was originally published by students in 1948 and
has since been revised biennially.
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